The Snow Show: Making Snowflakes with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Snow Patterns

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Peter Veals discuss the shifting snow patterns due to climate change, highlighting its impact on ski slopes and natural snowfall distribution. Peter explains that while some regions experience snow droughts, others face record snowfalls, indicating a redistribution rather than a net loss of snow globally 1. He notes that colder regions may see increased snowfall due to warmer temperatures allowing more moisture in the atmosphere, while marginal snow climates could see less 2.

The vast majority of these mountain ranges are not in for great things as the climate warms.

--- Peter Veals

This redistribution affects water tables and hydrology, crucial for human civilization 3.

   

Glacier Melting

The melting of glaciers, as explained by Twila Moon, significantly impacts sea levels and ecosystems. Unlike sea ice, which doesn't contribute to sea level rise, the melting of land ice from glaciers adds fresh water to the oceans, altering ocean salinity and circulation 4. This process disrupts marine ecosystems and can affect global ocean currents, which are vital for climate regulation 3.

It's not just the volume of losing this ice and adding it to the ocean, but it's also that it's fresh water instead of saline.

--- Twila Moon

The rising sea levels also lead to increased coastal flooding, affecting areas like Florida, where both tidal and interior flooding are becoming more common 5.